The Episcopal Ecological Network (EpEN)

Climate Change and the Millenium Development Goals

Proposed Resolution for the 76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, USA, July 2009

Resolution A157: Climate Change and the Millenium Development Goals

Resolved, the House of ___________ concurring, That the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church reaffirms Resolutions 2006-B002 (Acknowledge and Reduce Global Warming) and 2006-D022 (Establish the Millennium Development Goals); and be it further

Resolved, That the 76th General Convention acknowledges the effects that climate change can have on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and encourages all Episcopal Church organizations to consider the hardships induced by climate change for all projects that they undertake in meeting the MDGs, including plans that would ameliorate the hardships.

Proposer: Executive Council Committee on Science, Technology and Faith

EXPLANATION

The United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) encapsulate many of The Episcopal Church's ministries to those in poverty. Achievement of the MDGs is threatened by climate change. Drought and flooding both can adversely affect crop yields. Changes in climate may include increased temperatures and rainfall that would yield faster spread of diseases. The changes may also include droughts yielding inadequate supplies of water and reduced water quality. Population dislocations caused by drought, floods, storms or changes in sea level would disrupt education and would affect child mortality, maternal health and the increase and spread of communicable diseases.

MDG project planning should recognize the potential local and regional effects of climate change so that plans include contingency planning with provisions to help the affected population adapt.

The EpEN is a national network of active lay and clergy persons within the Episcopal Church, USA, who share a common concern for the environment and a common belief in the presence of God in all Creation and who work to make these concerns and beliefs known throughout all Provinces and Dioceses within the church.  Members come from around the Episcopal Church USA.  The activities of the EpEN are focused on the areas of Reflection, Education, and Action. 

If you would like to contact any of these groups or to find out more about the EpEN, please click on the links on the left.